PDP Chieftain Knocks Oshiomhole Over Motorcycle, Cash Distribution

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Shegun Saiki, has criticised former governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, over his recent distribution of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, and cash gifts to residents of his senatorial district.

Saiki, a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, described Oshiomhole’s gesture as “a return to old politics”, accusing the senator of contradicting his earlier position on constituency projects.

“It is like somebody vomiting and swallowing it back. Which constituency project is he doing after two years in the Senate?” Saiki said in a statement on Monday.
“What can anybody buy with ₦100,000 in this present economy? Oshiomhole only gave money to people that visited him.”

The PDP stalwart recalled that Oshiomhole had, before his election to the National Assembly, promised to restructure constituency projects, insisting that his current approach undermines youth development.

“How are you empowering a young man in his 20s with a motorbike? You are destroying him,” Saiki said.
“That is more offensive. I think the government must refocus on a long-term strategy to empower the people.”

He argued that short-term handouts like motorcycles and grinding machines do not constitute empowerment, describing them instead as “political optics.”

Reacting, the Chief of Staff to the senator, Victor Oshioke, dismissed Saiki’s criticism, saying Oshiomhole’s interventions included more substantial community projects such as classroom blocks and market stalls.

“What Oshiomhole meant was that a senator should not be judged by sharing items but by enduring legacies and jobs created,” Oshioke said.

He maintained that the senator’s development efforts in the Edo North Senatorial District were comprehensive and people-focused, adding that the empowerment items were part of broader initiatives to support rural livelihoods.